Human Traits

Human Traits

All human adult Sims are comprised of up to five traits. Traits mostly govern their actions when operating on free will, but all have some affect as to what they like and dislike, as well as special buffs or debuffs they may receive for an action.

If any action matches one of their traits, a tiny icon representing the trait will appear next to the command in the pie menu. For example, a Sim with the Athletic trait will see a little soccer ball next to any action related to working out. This means the trait (and therefore the Sim himself) favors the action, and usually the Sim will gain a little extra boost of some sort by doing it.

Conversely, if the action goes against a Sim's trait, the icon will be the trait in question with a red line through it. For example, a Sim with the Couch Potato trait will see the Couch Potato symbol with a line through it next to any exercise actions. This means the Sim will get a slight penalty while doing the action, though they will never refuse any orders you give. However, a Sim will never do that action on his own. For example, if that Couch Potato Sim is on free will, he will never exercise on his own.

A Sim's traits can also affect his relationships. For example, a Sim with the Artistic trait will want to often talk about art. Ergo, if he is speaking to a Sim with the Can't Stand Art trait, typically the conversation will go badly and lower their relationship. Sims with opposite traits can be friends or more if you work hard enough, but you'll find easier relationships between Sims with complimentary traits.

Traits are listed hereafter alphabetically, as well as a short description of what they do and how they affect gameplay. All descriptions are not necessarily set in stone, however; just because you're playing a Sim against his traits doesn't mean he can't succeed in life. In fact, you may want to play against traits just for the challenge.

Note that some traits, such as the pet-related ones, require specific expansion packs installed and may not be in your game.